Article security system

ABSTRACT

An article security system for effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user&#39;s mobility. The article security system includes an elongate strap having a first end and a second end, a locking member attached to a middle portion of the elongate strap, a third fastener attached to the first end connectable to a first fastener attached to the middle portion, a fourth fastener attached to the locking member connectable to a second fastener on the first end, and a fifth fastener attached to the second end and connectable to a sixth fastener attached to the middle portion. The first portion is engageable with the personal article in a looped manner and the second portion is engageable with the arm of an individual in a similar looped manner. The fasteners are preferably comprised of a hook and loop fastener material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to security devices and more specifically it relates to an article security system for effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user's mobility.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] Examples of patented devices which are related to the present invention include U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,574 to Cesari; U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,286 to Newman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,169 to Deliman; U.S. Pat. No. 342,427 to Stovall; U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,450 to Sadow; U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,254 to Challoner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,808 to Epps; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,288 to Sattler.

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user's mobility. Conventional security devices are difficult to utilize and are not as effective in deterring theft of personal articles during transporting of the article through airports and similar transportation systems.

[0008] In these respects, the article security system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user's mobility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of security devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new article security system construction wherein the same can be utilized for effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user's mobility.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new article security system that has many of the advantages of the security devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new article security system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art security devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an elongate strap having a first end and a second end, a locking member attached to a middle portion of the elongate strap, a third fastener attached to the first end connectable to a first fastener attached to the middle portion, a fourth fastener attached to the locking member connectable to a second fastener on the first end, and a fifth fastener attached to the second end and connectable to a sixth fastener attached to the middle portion. The first portion is engageable with the personal article in a looped manner and the second portion is engageable with the arm of an individual in a similar looped manner. The fasteners are preferably comprised of a hook and loop fastener material.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an article security system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide an article security system for effectively preventing the loss and theft of personal articles during transport without impeding the user's mobility.

[0016] Another object is to provide an article security system that is lightweight, durable and compact in structure.

[0017] An additional object is to provide an article security system that that may be easily stored in a compact location when not in use.

[0018] A further object is to provide an article security system that requires two hands to remove from a personal article.

[0019] Another object is to provide an article security system that secures various personal articles such as but not limited to luggage, briefcases, bags and the like.

[0020] A further object is to provide an article security system that allows a user to perform a task without having to closely monitor their personal article.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention attached to a wrist of a user and a handle of a personal article.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention in a closed position.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention in a closed position.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in an open position.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention with the article closure partially engaged.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention with the article closure fully engaged.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate an article security system 10, which comprises an elongate strap 20 having a first end 24 and a second end 28, a locking member 30 attached to a middle portion 21 of the elongate strap 20, a third fastener 52 attached to the first end 24 connectable to a first fastener 40 attached to the middle portion 21, a fourth fastener 60 attached to the locking member 30 connectable to a second fastener 50 on the first end 24, and a fifth fastener 70 attached to the second end 28 and connectable to a sixth fastener 80 attached to the middle portion 21. The first portion 22 is engageable with the personal article 12 in a looped manner and the second portion 26 is engageable with the arm 16 of an individual in a similar looped manner. The fasteners are preferably comprised of a hook and loop fastener material. The fourth fastener 60 and the first fastener 40 are preferably comprised of the same type of fastener material (i.e. hook or loop) to prevent securing of the locking member 30 when the first end 24 is removed.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the elongate strap 20 is preferably comprised of a flat elongate structure. The elongate strap 20 is preferably comprised of a flexible material for allowing free movement of the arm 16 of the user. It can be appreciated that the elongate strap 20 may be comprised of various types of materials and structures to accomplish the desired task such as but not limited to nylon.

[0032] The elongate strap 20 has a first end 24, a middle portion 21 and a second end 28 as best shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. A first portion 22 is defined between the middle portion 21 and the first end 24 as further shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The first portion 22 is formed for fitting about an extension of the personal article 12 such as a handle 14 and the like as best shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. A second portion 26 is defined between the middle portion 21 and the second end 28 as further shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The second portion 26 is formed for fitting about an arm 16 or the like of the user as best shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the third fastener 52 is attached to the first end 24 of the elongate strap 20. As further shown in FIG. 4, the first fastener 40 is attached to the middle portion 21 of the elongate strap 20 adjacent the first portion 22. The third fastener 52 and the first fastener 40 are preferably comprised of a hook and loop fastener material that is connectable to one another. If the third fastener 52 is comprised of a loop material, the first fastener 40 is to be comprised of a hook material. If the third fastener 52 is comprised of a hook material, the first fastener 40 is to be comprised of a loop material. The first fastener 40 and third fastener 52 preferably have a similar length and width with respect to one another, however various lengths and widths may be utilized.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, a second fastener 50 is attached to the first end 24 of the elongate strap 20 opposite of the third fastener 52. The second fastener 50 is comprised of a hook and loop fastener material. If the third fastener 52 is comprised of a loop material, the second fastener 50 is to be comprised of a loop material. If the third fastener 52 is comprised of a hook material, the second fastener 50 is to be comprised of a hook material.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6 of the drawings, a locking member 30 is attached to the middle portion 21 of the elongate strap 20 adjacent the first portion 22 thereof. The locking member 30 is attached to the same surface upon the elongate strap 20 as the first fastener 40. The locking member 30 is comprised of a flexible material for allowing an unattached distal portion to extend over the first end 24 of the elongate strap 20 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 of the drawings. One end of the locking member 30 is secured to the elongate strap 20 with the opposing end flexibly extending from thereof as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the fourth fastener 60 is attached to the distal portion of the locking member 30 and is connectable to a second fastener 50. If the second fastener 50 is comprised of a loop material, the fourth fastener 60 is to be comprised of a hook material. If the second fastener 50 is comprised of a hook material, the fourth fastener 60 is to be comprised of a loop material. When the third fastener 52 is secured to the first fastener 40, the fourth fastener 60 of the locking member 30 is attached to the second fastener 50 to prevent undesirable opening of the first portion 22 from about the personal article 12.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings, a fifth fastener 70 is attached to the second end 28 of the elongate strap 20. The sixth fastener 80 is attached to the middle portion 21 adjacent the second portion 26 of the elongate strap 20 for catchably receiving the fifth fastener 70 as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. If the fifth fastener 70 is comprised of a loop material, the sixth fastener 80 is to be comprised of a hook material. If the fifth fastener 70 is comprised of a hook material, the sixth fastener 80 is comprised of a loop material.

[0038] In use, the user first positions the first portion 22 of the elongate strap 20 within an extended secure portion of the personal article 12 such as a handle 14 as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The user then secures the third fastener 52 to the first fastener 40 thereby securing the first portion 22 about the handle 14 of the personal article 12. FIG. 5 illustrates the securing of the third fastener 52 to the first fastener 40. The user then manipulates the locking member 30 so that the fourth fastener 60 engages the second fastener 50 thereby securing the first end 24 of the elongate strap 20. The user then positions the second portion 26 about their arm 16 or other object. The user then secures the fifth fastener 70 to the sixth fastener 80 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. To remove, the user must grasp the first portion 22 with one hand while grasping the locking member 30 with their other hand. After removing the locking member 30 from the first end 24 of the elongate strap 20, the user must retain the locking member 30 away from the first end 24 while removing the third fastener 52 from the first fastener 40.

[0039] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0040] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0041] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. An article security system, comprising: an elongate strap comprised of a first end, a second end, a middle portion, a first portion between said first end and said middle portion, and a second portion between said second end and said middle portion; a first fastener attached to a first surface of said elongate strap adjacent said first portion; a second fastener attached to a second surface of said first end of said elongate strap; a third fastener attached to said first surface of said first end of said elongate strap opposite of said second fastener, wherein said third fastener is connectable to said first fastener; a locking member having one end attached to said first surface of said middle portion of said elongate strap; a fourth fastener attached to an inner surface of a distal portion of said locking member, wherein said fourth fastener is connectable to said second fastener; a fifth fastener attached to said first surface of said second end of said elongate strap; and a sixth fastener attached to said first surface of said elongate strap adjacent said second portion, wherein said sixth fastener is connectable to said fifth fastener.
 2. The article security system of claim 1, wherein said first fastener, said second fastener, said third fastener and said fourth fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener material.
 3. The article security system of claim 2, wherein said first fastener and said fourth fastener are each comprised of a loop material, and wherein said second fastener and said third fastener are comprised of a hook material.
 4. The article security system of claim 3, wherein said fifth fastener and said second fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener.
 5. The article security system of claim 2, wherein said first fastener and said fourth fastener are each comprised of a hook material, and wherein said second fastener and said third fastener are comprised of a loop material.
 6. The article security system of claim 5, wherein said fifth fastener and said second fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener.
 7. The article security system of claim 1, wherein said elongate strap is comprised of a flexible material.
 8. The article security system of claim 7, wherein said elongate strap is comprised of nylon.
 9. The article security system of claim 1, wherein said first portion has a shorter length than said second portion.
 10. The article security system of claim 9, wherein said middle portion is longer than said second portion.
 11. An article security system, comprising: an elongate strap having an elongate and flat structure, wherein said elongate strap is comprised of a flexible strap having a consistent width; wherein said elongate strap is comprised of a first end, a second end, a middle portion, a first portion between said first end and said middle portion, and a second portion between said second end and said middle portion; a first fastener attached to a first surface of said elongate strap adjacent said first portion; a second fastener attached to a second surface of said first end of said elongate strap; a third fastener attached to said first surface of said first end of said elongate strap opposite of said second fastener, wherein said third fastener is connectable to said first fastener; a locking member having one end attached to said first surface of said middle portion of said elongate strap; a fourth fastener attached to an inner surface of a distal portion of said locking member, wherein said fourth fastener is connectable to said second fastener; a fifth fastener attached to said first surface of said second end of said elongate strap; and a sixth fastener attached to said first surface of said elongate strap adjacent said second portion, wherein said sixth fastener is connectable to said fifth fastener.
 12. The article security system of claim 11, wherein said first fastener, said second fastener, said third fastener and said fourth fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener material.
 13. The article security system of claim 12, wherein said first fastener and said fourth fastener are each comprised of a loop material, and wherein said second fastener and said third fastener are comprised of a hook material.
 14. The article security system of claim 13, wherein said fifth fastener and said second fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener.
 15. The article security system of claim 12, wherein said first fastener and said fourth fastener are each comprised of a hook material, and wherein said second fastener and said third fastener are comprised of a loop material.
 16. The article security system of claim 15, wherein said fifth fastener and said second fastener are comprised of a hook and loop fastener.
 17. The article security system of claim 11, wherein said elongate strap is comprised of a flexible material.
 18. The article security system of claim 17, wherein said elongate strap is comprised of nylon.
 19. The article security system of claim 11, wherein said first portion has a shorter length than said second portion.
 20. The article security system of claim 19, wherein said middle portion is longer than said second portion. 